Malaysia's new vehicle sales jump 19pct to nearly 70,000 units in September

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's news vehicle sales rise 19 per cent year-on-year to 69,609 units in September 2026, although demand eases from the previous month as consumers adopt a wait-and-see approach ahead of the 2027 Budget announcement.

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) said sales fell 2.5 per cent from 71,428 units in August.

Passenger vehicle sales climbed 21.5 per cent to 64,835 units in September, from 53,352 units a year earlier, while commercial vehicle sales declined 7.1 per cent to 4,774 units from 5,138 units.

For the first nine months of 2026, total industry volume (TIV) increased four per cent to 602,633 units, compared with 579,336 units in the corresponding period last year.

Passenger vehicle sales rose five per cent to 564,919 units, while commercial vehicle sales fell 13 per cent to 37,714 units.

On the production front, total vehicle output increased 10 per cent year-on-year to 64,482 units in September, from 58,413 units a year earlier.

Passenger vehicle production rose 12 per cent to 61,134 units, while commercial vehicle output declined nine per cent to 3,348 units.

Cumulative production for the January-to-September period grew two per cent to 562,207 units, from 552,129 units in the same period last year.

MAA expects vehicle sales to pick up in October, supported by year-end promotions.